Greece: Athens & the Islands

From ancient Athens to idyllic Mykonos and Santorini, dive headfirst into Greek culture and pristine coastlines on Greece’s most Insta-worthy islands

Package includes

Arrival transfer included
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Stay in hand-picked 3-4 star hotels
Inter-island ferries & private minibus
Accommodation in twin rooms
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
Max 16 travellers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

Athens, Mykonos, Santorini… That iconic Greek island-hopping adventure you’ve been dreaming of? It’s here (and it was definitely worth the wait).

Starting in Athens, you’ll visit star attractions like the dazzling Parthenon surveying the city from atop the Acropolis as it has done for two millennia. But you’ll also delve into a thriving outdoor cafe scene, sampling local street food and sipping sundowners at trendy rooftop bars.

Next up: the Cyclades Islands, where you’ll be soaking up the cosmopolitan vibe on Mykonos and exploring pretty whitewashed towns that line Santorini’s sunken crater. Along the way, there’ll be time for shopping and indulgent beach time, before one last spectacular: sailing into that Santorini sunset on a catamaran cruise. Just remember to send us a postcard, okay?

Watch the adventure

Welcome to Athens

Touch down in Athens, capital of Greece and birthplace of democracy, where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to take you straight to your central hotel
Enjoy a welcome diner in view of the Acropolis at the home of an esteemed local chef, getting to know your group in true Grecian style

Ancient sites & rooftop drinks

Uncover Athens with a local expert, visiting the Acropolis, Parthenon and the ancient district of Plaka, dotted with whitewashed churches and neoclassical mansions
Check out the city’s vibrant nightlife; from chic rooftop bars and acclaimed cocktail bars to atmospheric bouzouki music venues, the possibilities are endless

Eat like a local

Enjoy a free morning exploring the suburbs that cling to the base of the Acropolis; the winding alleys are filled with traditional tavernas, boutique shops and quaint cafes
Embark on a local-led food tour of the city, seeking out everything from Greek pies and souvlaki to local ouzo and loukomades donuts

Island-hopping to Mykonos

Take a ferry across the sparkling Aegean Sea to Mykonos – Greece’s answer to St Tropez
Head to the photogenic Old Town for a guided walk through the cobblestone streets, soaking up iconic landmarks like the windmills and Little Venice
Enjoy some free time to explore the kaleidoscope of elegant cafes and high-end boutiques lining the whitewashed streets

Sun, sea & sand

Idyllic Greek islands call for down time, so enjoy a free day to swim, sunbathe and relax on one of Mykonos’ many idyllic sandy beaches

Free day on Mykonos

Today you can choose your own way to explore the island – from snorkelling excursions to secret beach trips. Can’t quite extract yourself from perfect relaxation? Simply recline by the pool at your boutique seafront hotel

Magical sunset views

Hop back onto a ferry and reach the picture-perfect island of Santorini
Visit the beautiful village of Oia – the face of a thousand postcards
Take time to wander through the old town’s maze of cobbled lanes and bougainvillea-draped cafes

Santorini sunset cruise

Set sail on a full-day small-group catamaran cruise, exploring Santorini’s caldera and dropping anchor in secluded bays to swim and snorkel among heavenly scenes
Bathe in a thermal spring before a delicious farewell dinner on board, raising a toast with your fellow Flashpackers under the glow of a Santorini sunset

Farewell, Greece

Enjoy a final Greek breakfast before making your own way to Santorini Airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local taxi
Arrive home feeling relaxed and perhaps a little smug after your epic Greek odyssey; you’ve soaked up ancient history and island beauty while discovering some of the world’s most coveted spots after all

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

Moxy Athens City

A design-led hotel with arty interiors, sleek monochrome rooms with Acropolis views and even a graffiti-scrawled gym. By day, the lounge is a laidback creative space, by night it takes on a cool ambience with neon signs and cocktails.

Rhenia, Mykonos

Panoramic views of the Aegean Sea? Check. Luxe outdoor pool? Check. Location close to vibrant Mykonos Town? Check. Honestly, Rhenia is hard to beat when it comes to boho island chic and boutique offerings at the heart of where you want to be.

The Majestic, Santorini

Overlooking the caldera, The Majestic perfectly combines Cycladic charm with modern luxuries. Expect chic rooms, infinity pools and fine dining just steps from Fira’s vibrant heart. Sunsets, local flavours and unadulterated relaxation guaranteed.

Praise for our Pack Leaders

Meet Malcolm, a Pack Leader in Greece

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into Athens Airport (ATH) and out of Santorini International Airport (JTR).

What time should my flight arrive? (to arrive in time for the welcome meeting)

We suggest arriving before 4 pm on Day 1, to allow yourself enough time to freshen up before the welcome meeting. Check-in at the hotel is from 3 pm.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

There are no planned activities for Day 9, so you can depart at your own leisure. Santorini Airport is approximately 10 minutes from your final hotel. Your Pack Leader can help you book transfers the night before if needed.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you’ve booked yourself a pre-night at the same hotel the adventure starts from, your airport arrival transfer will be included. Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and in groups depending on flight times, so you may have to wait in the airport for a short while.

However, if you’ve booked alternative pre-trip accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Please also note: in order to secure your place on the private transfer, you’ll need to provide your flight details to our Customer Experience team no later than 30 days prior to your adventure’s departure date. You’ll get automated email reminders about this, but the team won’t be chasing you. That’s why it’s key to get this information over in good time. If the details are provided later than 30 days pre-departure, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Departure transfers are typically not included due to travellers leaving at varying times. That said, your Pack Leader will happily help arrange departure transfers for you if required.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

Pack Leader: 10 EUR per day
Drivers: 3 EUR per transfer
Local guides: 5 EUR per half-day tour

Your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip in restaurants, taxis, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

Is there a lot of free time on this adventure?

This Greek odyssey strikes a balance between scheduled activities and free time, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Each full day of the journey includes some free time, with a completely free day on Day 6 in Mykonos. If you prefer a more fast-paced experience, you may want to arrange extra activities during these periods – your Pack Leader will be happy to suggest options and assist with bookings. For more detailed information about the itinerary, please reach out to our Travel Experts who are here to help you make the most of your adventure.

Are there any other extra costs to be aware of?

Climate Crisis Resilience Fee: Customers will need to pay this government-mandated tax directly at hotel checkouts. The total combined fee for the GR1 tour is approximately €37.50 per person for those sharing a twin room and €75 per person for those staying in a single room.

Please note: in Mykonos, beach chairs also come at an extra cost.

Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

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